What is the Difference Between Tempered and Laminated Glass?

When safety is a primary concern, tempered glass is typically used. This type of glass is commonly used in doors and windows, but does have other applications. If it is broken, it shatters into smaller, less harmful fragments. It is manufactured by heating then rapidly cooling the glass, causing the outside surface to form a hard “skin”. This hardened exterior makes it seven times stronger than regularly manufactured glass.Laminated glass is used when both safety and security are in mind. It is made by bonding two pieces of glass together with a middle core of plastic called polyvinyl butyral. This middle layer prevents the glass from separating when shattered, reducing serious harm and lacerations. This type of glass is perhaps best known for its application in windshields in all modern automobiles. Laminated glass lacks the strong outer skin that tempered glass has, and as such is more prone to cracking when impacted.